Advertising feature Kooparoona Niara is the Aboriginal name given to the Great Western Tiers and means Mountain of the Spirits. The Kooparoona Niara Cultural Trail is an initiative of a local Aboriginal man, Greg Murray who wanted to share and celebrate local Aboriginal culture and history with the community. The initial idea behind the Cultural Trail was to share history and knowledge about bush tucker and other native vegetation used by Tasmanian Aboriginal people in daily life and for trade with other clans. Mr Murray said that he wanted to help boost tourism in the area while creating something that the community and tourists could enjoy. The idea for a “simple” bush tucker trail started when he was working for Colony 47, and ended with a trail with more than seven components. It incorporates a host of ideas from the community: School pupils made the pavers, the region’s artists created sculptures of local wildlife, and the Aboriginal community created garden beds and a yarning circle. “Growing up here, I started to reflect on what a beautiful place it was. I thought to myself, how can we utilise this and create something that is attractive to tourists?” Mr Murray said. “By bringing the tourists into the town, it would help boost the local economy and the small business confidence and create some opportunities for the up-and-coming generations.” The Cultural Trail is located on the banks of the Meander River in Deloraine where you will find native plantings and will discover the many artworks inspired by Tasmanian Aboriginal culture. There is no official start or end of the Cultural Trail. It is a short walk that runs between the Deloraine Train Park and the swimming pool and pontoon site. Mr Murray said it was a ‘dream come true’ to see the area so well utilised. “Local workers, families and mums with prams can be seen on a daily basis using the trail; everyone can use and experience it,” he said. “We hope that tourists and locals will come off the highway to enjoy Deloraine, the trail and maybe learn something new.” Throughout the Cultural Trail, signs provide some background to the origins of the artworks and the artist’s inspiration. QR codes are located at various points that can be accessed for additional information. The Cultural Trail is accessible to all with car parking facilities located at both ends and public toilet amenities, a BBQ site and a playground located at the Train Park.

The Kooparoona Niara Cultural Trail

The Kooparoona Niara Cultural Trail is a walking track designed to showcase Tasmanian Aboriginal culture through mosaics and sculptures. Picture Neil Richardson

Advertising feature

Kooparoona Niara is the Aboriginal name given to the Great Western Tiers and means Mountain of the Spirits.

The Kooparoona Niara Cultural Trail is an initiative of a local Aboriginal man, Greg Murray who wanted to share and celebrate local Aboriginal culture and history with the community.

The initial idea behind the Cultural Trail was to share history and knowledge about bush tucker and other native vegetation used by Tasmanian Aboriginal people in daily life and for trade with other clans.

Mr Murray said that he wanted to help boost tourism in the area while creating something that the community and tourists could enjoy.

The idea for a “simple” bush tucker trail started when he was working for Colony 47, and ended with a trail with more than seven components.

It incorporates a host of ideas from the community: School pupils made the pavers, the region’s artists created sculptures of local wildlife, and the Aboriginal community created garden beds and a yarning circle.

“Growing up here, I started to reflect on what a beautiful place it was. I thought to myself, how can we utilise this and create something that is attractive to tourists?” Mr Murray said.

“By bringing the tourists into the town, it would help boost the local economy and the small business confidence and create some opportunities for the up-and-coming generations.”

Greg Murray

The Cultural Trail is located on the banks of the Meander River in Deloraine where you will find native plantings and will discover the many artworks inspired by Tasmanian Aboriginal culture.

There is no official start or end of the Cultural Trail. It is a short walk that runs between the Deloraine Train Park and the swimming pool and pontoon site.

Mr Murray said it was a ‘dream come true’ to see the area so well utilised.

“Local workers, families and mums with prams can be seen on a daily basis using the trail; everyone can use and experience it,” he said.

“We hope that tourists and locals will come off the highway to enjoy Deloraine, the trail and maybe learn something new.”

Throughout the Cultural Trail, signs provide some background to the origins of the artworks and the artist’s inspiration. QR codes are located at various points that can be accessed for additional information.

The Cultural Trail is accessible to all with car parking facilities located at both ends and public toilet amenities, a BBQ site and a playground located at the Train Park.